Reki Kyan | Alive

8

We haven't spoken a word. At least, not yet. I huff, slouching slightly walking next to Langa. He hasn't attempted starting a conversation yet, and to be fair, neither of us wants to.

Joining up with the others, we stare at the huge screen, curious as to who's group we're in. "Kamatsu! Langa! Reki still isn't with you guys?" A high pitched voice says. "Looks like he didn't even enter the tournament". His tone saddens with that last part. "Reki isn't gonna be here Miya" I pat his shoulder, trying to hide my dull expression with a smile. The corners of my mouth hitch up a bit, my poor attempt at hiding my emotions failing miserably.

'Why?" Miya questions, looking up at us. "Well..." Langa starts, before being cut off by Shadow. "He's just scared of skating against Adam!" He bursts out in laughing, but no one joins. After all his snarky comment didn't spark up any will to.

I fish my phone out of my pocket, putting my board down to type a message. To Reki, of course. I've been trying my best to keep contact; so has Langa but with no avail.

the qualifiers r skating
7:37

wya
7:37

Reki?
7:38

I sigh sliding my phone back in my pocket. "Any response?" Langa asks, looking at me hopefully. I look up at him, "Nope". His expression falters, and he looks at the ground, his hair covering his face a bit. He didn't deserve this; for Reki to lash out like that, it's not Langa's fault.

We watch Miya get to the start of the track, putting his board under his foot as Adam joins him. Commotion is heard from the crowd, excited shouting filling the air. The familiar sound of the signal silences the crowd as we wait in anticipation. After having beeped five times, like always, the two take of at insane speed.

Adam takes the lead, as Miya struggles to keep up. I avert my eyes from the monitor to Langa's phone. Joe is skating against Langa, earning commotion from the crowd yet again. They take of after Adam and Miya, Joe taking the lead.

Anxiety rises in my chest as I watch the monitor. Apparently, about five people with masks have surrounded Langa, holding him in his place. "Is this even allowed?!" I say with disbelief to Shadow. "What is up with those guys..." He trails off, his eyes attached to the screen.

Joe doesn't seem to like this either, he looks back, probably scolding them. My heart skips a beat at the sight of one of the masked men holds up a metal part, with a sharp edge. I curse inwardly, still holding my breath.

Thankfully, Langa expertly avoids them, surpassing the five, dodging one of them that's caught up. Though unfortunately, the man damaged his trucks, loosening it. Langa shoots forward, going past Joe and heading for the finish.

By 2 feet, Joe wins to Langa, though the crowd mostly praises the blue-haired boy. I run towards him, dapping him up with a smile. "You did so good!" I gush, earning a small smile from the boy. I pat his back, leading him back to our group.

I shoot him a concerned look, his expression- he looks so numb. Normally he would've celebrated but, right now, he just looks dull. I don't blame him; we're both still so fazed from the situation with Reki.

I miss him. Reki always made my day brighter, it's not the same without him. The way he makes me feel- it's like fireworks going off inside me, even when he's just looking at me. What was this feeling called again?

I snap out of it, focusing back on the tournament. Shadow is skating this mysterious guy now, I can't even see his face due to his hat. Shadow is clearly confident, taking the lead, bending through his knees to decrease air resistance. Though all of that falters as soon as this mysterious guy surpasses him, winning the race.

~

The next night, the tournament continues where it was left off, Adam making a dramatic entrance as always. I shift my weight from my right leg to my left in nervousness. The nominees appear on the screen, a held breath escaping my mouth. "Langa look! I made it to the top eight!" I shake his shoulders, a huge smile across my face. He smiles down at me, before looking back at the screen.

Adam fishes a card out of a bowl, holding it up for the crowd to see. "The first challenger is Shadow!". The crowd cheers. "His opponent is, Kamatsu!". Less cheering is heard, but I don't blame them. After all, only a few have actually seen me skate.

I get up, moving my hair out of my face and grabbing my board. I do my best to look confident, but in all honesty I'm completely freaking out. My opponent, Shadow, won't be too much of a challenge for me. He's good, but I'm not bad either.

We take off on our boards, Shadow surpassing me and taking the lead. That's alright; I don't plan on going all in just yet. After all I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I'm gonna win, and I'm gonna show everyone who I am, I'm sure of it. I really wish Reki was here to see it though.

Shadow speeds up. I do so too, cautious not to fall behind. Now skating alongside eachother, we turn a corner, and then another one, before we end up on a straightaway. I can tell he has something up his sleeve, he always does. I spot him pulling a laser out of his pocket, and grab my chance. It's now or never.

Falling back a bit I go to his other side, confusing him. Before he can shine the laser in my face I elbow him in his side, nearly pushing him off his board as he doubles over. I smirk, going faster and faster, leaving him behind. I can see the finish nearing, and look behind me. He's getting closer, and he's angry.

Cursing, I Iook back in front of me. I'm already going so fast, It's dangerous for sure. But alas, I have to win. I will.

Accelerating even further, I avoid some rocks on the path. At this point Shadow's caught up to me, now, once again, skating alongside me. I lean forward. 20 feet.

15.

10.

Adrenaline pumps through me, my heart beating faster than it ever has. 5 feet. now 4. I close my eyes.

I open them, first one eye then the other. Powersliding I bring my board to a halt, falling off due to the sudden change in tempo. I look around, my chest heaving and my hair all over my face.

Suddenly the crowd breaks out into loud cheering. Langa runs over to me, a huge smile occupying his lips as he helps me up. "You won! Kamatsu you did it" He says, patting me on the back. I did? I let out a huff, turning in a circle to see everyone cheering me on. My stoic expression breaks out into a pure look of bliss, this doesn't feel real.

Adam silences the crowd. "Then, on to the next beef... This time the skater is..."

"Snow!"